Carnegie Hall, one of the world’s most prestigious music venues, selected Lower Merion teen Aidan Peterson for its annual National Youth Orchestra, writes Amy Shumoski for the Patch.

The free four-week summer program gathers some of the nation’s best young musicians to provide them with exposure to classical musicians by having them perform around the globe.

Peterson is one of the 103 musicians selected for this year’s program. The 18-year-old trumpeter attends The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr and is well known in the Philadelphia area for his musical achievements.

He volunteers to sound live Taps at military funerals and events and provides bedside entertainment for hospital, hospice, and rehab patients. He has also received many awards for his volunteering efforts, such as nine Presidential Volunteer Service Awards from the last three presidents.

“Joining NYO is a dream come true for me,” said Peterson. “I have spent nearly my entire life preparing for this and look forward to making music with other talented teenagers this summer who I know will become lifelong friends.”

This fall, Peterson will attend The Juilliard School, majoring in classical trumpet performance.

Read more about Aidan Peterson and his selection to the National Youth Orchestra in the Patch.